India Summons Sri Lankan Envoy Over Confrontation Between Fishermen & Sri Lanka Navy

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was called into the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday (28)to lodged a strong protest with Sri Lanka following an incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy firing on 13 Indian fishermen near Delft Island in the early hours of January 28, 2025.

Two of the fishermen sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, while three others suffered minor injuries and have been treated.

Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna have visited the injured fishermen to check on their well-being and are providing all possible assistance to the fishermen and their families, said the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

The Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs, where a strong protest was lodged over the incident.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo has also raised the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sri Lankan government.

The Government of India emphasized the need to treat issues related to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner, keeping in mind their livelihood concerns.

The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. Existing understandings between the two Governments in this regard must be strictly observed, said the Indian Ministry of Externalk Affairs.

The Northern Naval Command of the Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian fishing boat and apprehended 13 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Valvettithurai, Jaffna, on the night of January 27, 2025, said the country's navy in a statement.

The operation was launched around 2200 hrs after the Northern Naval Command observed a cluster of Indian fishing boats in the area.

During the operation, the Navy deployed naval craft to drive away the fishing boats.

One Indian fishing boat, which continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters and engage in illegal fishing activities, was seized. The Sri Lanka Navy boarding team had to conduct a noncompliance boarding as the Indian fishing boat maneuvered aggressively and did not comply with lawful orders.

The Indian fishermen acted confrontationally, attempting to assault naval personnel and snatch a firearm from a naval officer, endangering the lives of the naval team.

In the process, an accidental fire had occurred, causing slight injuries to two Indian fishermen.

The Navy provided initial first aid and transferred the injured fishermen to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable. A complaint has been lodged with the Kankesanthurai Police regarding the incident.

The seized Indian fishing boat and the remaining fishermen were brought to the Kankasanthurai harbour and will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for legal action.

The Navy continues to conduct operations to prevent illegal fishing activities and protect the livelihoods of the fishing community in the Northern Province.